Google Announce Gingerbread, Nexus S and New SDK

Google have made two big announcements: the release of the new
version of the Android platform, codenamed ‘Gingerbread’ and a new
Nexus device, the ‘Nexus S.’

Google describe the Nexus S as the “lead device” for the 2.3
‘Gingerbread’ release. It is co-developed with Samsung which,
according to Google, should ensure a tighter integration of
hardware and software, thus emphasising the latest developments
available in 2.3. Nexus S features a 4″ Contour Display, a 1GHz
Hummingbird processor, and front and rear cameras. It also offers
near field communication hardware, Internet (VoIP/SIP) calling and
gyroscope sensor support. The full specs can be seen at the
Nexus webpage. After December 16th, the Nexus S will
be sold carrier-independent, initially through Best Buy stores in
the U.S. After December 20th, it will be sold at Carphone Warehouse
stores in the UK. First hints that Google were developing a Nexus
S, came when Best Buy Mobile apparently
accidentally published an ad touting the device as a Best Buy
exclusive over the holiday period.

The 2.3 platform comes with a range of features and APIs for bringing new types of
apps to the Android platform. The Dalivik VM now has a concurrent
garbage collector for minimising application pauses, and Android
uses updated third-party video drivers which should improve the
efficiency of OpenGL ES operations. New APIs are also supported for
several sensor types, such as rotation vector, linear acceleration
and gyroscope. Apps can use the new sensors in combination, for
tracking three-dimensional device motion and orientation change.
The platform also implements Khronos OpenSL ES for managing audio
devices and controlling audio input.